Current Therapy in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Endovascular Laser Treatment of Varicose Veins

Since 2001, endovenous laser ablation procedures have been reported to be safe and effective methods of eliminating the proximal portion of the greater saphenous vein (GSV), the small saphenous vein (SSV), and even tributary and perforator veins from the venous…

Endovascular Treatment of Chronic Venous Occlusion

The endovascular approach to venous obstructive lesions including stenoses and chronic total occlusions (CTOs) has replaced traditional open surgery. As a result, a broader spectrum of patients with comorbidities that might otherwise preclude an open approach have benefited. In addition,…

Pathology and Classification of Chronic Venous Disease

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is the most common disorder of the peripheral vascular system. In population studies, 10% to 35% of adults manifested some form of the disease. Its most severe manifestation is cutaneous venous ulceration. CVD and related ulcers…

Treatment of Acute Upper Extremity Venous Occlusion

The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) has been estimated to exceed 900,000 cases annually in the United States. Upper extremity DVT can result in PE in 4% to 12% of the cases, and there are…

Warfarin-Induced Skin Necrosis

Warfarin-induced skin necrosis is a clinical–pathologic condition that arises in patients treated with vitamin K antagonists and that produces an activated blood coagulation state. The condition becomes manifest as a result of the relative loss of the protein C and…

New and Alternative Anticoagulants

There are many pharmacologic options in current use to treat and prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE). These medications include unfractionated heparin (UFH), low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs), factor Xa inhibitors (anti-Xa drugs), direct thrombin inhibitors (anti-IIa drugs), and vitamin K antagonists. UFH and…

Nonoperative Treatment of Acute Lower Extremity Venous Thrombosis

Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis The classic long-term treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is vitamin K–antagonist therapy overlapped with initial heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) therapy. Accurate, objective tests to detect venous thromboembolism (VTE) have led to randomized trials…